We Make Patterns...

We are using our Tub Time to work on "Patterns". We use all the materials. We make patterns with tiles, unifix-cubes, blocks, stamps, and other things too. Patterns help us understand how numbers work and help prepare us for more complex math ideas and concepts. Check out the NCTM's page on Patterns (Algebra). We are really enjoying working with patterns. Take a look at just a few of the interesting patterns we have made:

Kindergarten Rock Climbers...

In gym class Ms. Forsberg showed us how to do rock climbing. Because we are new at this, we stay on the green pieces on the wall. We need to keep our bellys away from the wall or we might get hurt. We have to be careful. We have mats on the floor in case we fall. It's a lot of fun! We're lucky to have our own wall at school.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

More Numeral Writing...

Ready to learn along with us as we work on improving our numeral writing skills? This time we're working on the numerals 6, 7, 8, and 9. Grab a pencil or marker and paper and try it along with our video:

Numeral Dice Toss Game...

Our friends at Manaia Kindergarten wanted to know how we play "Numeral Dice Toss". It's a fun game from the folks at The Center for Innovation in Education...famous for Math Their Way. We played while Mrs. Blakely took pictures.
Shannon explained the game this way:

• Get a dice with a zero
• Get a paper with 0,1,2,3,4 & 5
• Get a pencil and a partner
• You roll the die and whatever number you get, you write it on your paper in the box
• Then it's your partner's turn; he or she gets the die and does the same thing (roll the die and write the number)
• Then he or she gives it back to his or her partner
• Keep going until a person gets a row with numbers up to the top
• Then they win!

Watch our video to see how we play.

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Thanks Shannon for the GREAT description!

Numeral Writing 1-5...

We have been working on learning to write numerals. We practiced writing numerals in the air, on our hands, and on the backs of our friends. That was funny! We also practiced writing numerals on whiteboards. We have a fun game we play called "Numeral Dice Toss". We are getting quite good at these numerals.

Fun With Buttons & Corduroy...

We've spent several days working with buttons. Yes, buttons! We've sorted them, counted them and even made a little book about them. We listened to a story called Corduroy, by Don Freeman. We also watched a video based on the book. We compared the book with the video version. We all agreed both were excellent. Some things we liked about the video include, Corduroy riding on a train, when Lisa came back to the store to get Corduroy, and how she decided to name him.

We finished up our Button Books and took them home to add to our reading libraries.

Maybe you can get some paper and crayons and make your own book about buttons!

You can see a sample of our little book here:

Our Kindergarten Safety Adventure...

Last week we had a special chance to learn about keeping safe at home. A big trailer came to our school filled will all sorts of reminders of how to keep safe. The trailer was sponsored by the Home Safety Council and Lowes. We had fun learning about common household safety hazards and what to do should we find them in our own homes. Rover was the mascot that helped us learn about safety. He has a web site where we can go to experience more safety adventures. Visit Rover at Code Red Rover. Check your home for safety hazards too, be sure to point out hazards to a grown-up.

McDonald's Night...

We had our first No-Cook night of the '08-'09 school year at McDonald's on Tuesday night. The weather was perfect for kids to enjoy the playground area. Thanks to all the families and staff who came out to support our fund-raising efforts. As always, I brought my camera along to capture as many smiling faces as possible!

Learning Letters and Sounds...

In class we are learning the letters and sounds. We are learning a song that helps us too. We have all kinds of books that teach letters and sounds. We have puzzles and games to teach us too. We are also looking for more websites to help us.
We already visit the Alphabet Antics wiki, Inkless Tales, Star Fall and our own ABC Page.
This video makes use of environmental print to help with letter recognition. Enjoy:

Check back later for more alphabet fun!

Back-to-School Picnic...

We had our first family gathering at school on Wednesday. The P.T.O. planned an evening for families to come to school and have dinner, picnic style. Unfortunately, the threat of rain forced us into the gym. But that didn't stop folks from having a good time. Even our new superintendent, Dr. Torres, stopped in for a visit. We look forward to many other family events this school year.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com